“We’re five plus weeks into the anxiety and stress of this government lapse and your non-pay. You as members of the armed forces should not be expected to shoulder this burden,” said Schultz. “But ultimately, I find it unacceptable that Coast Guard men and women have to rely on food pantries and donations to get through day-to-day life as service members.”

Schultz added that this week the 8000-member civilian workforce that works alongside service members may also not receive payment.

A Marine Safety Detachment of the U.S. Coast Guard is based out of East Peoria

President Trump has so far refused to reopen the government unless Congress provides funding for his border wall.